Failure of E. coli bacteria to induce preterm delivery in the rat
2009
E. coli and Preterm Delivery in Rats
Sample size: 27
publication
10 minutes
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Hirsch Emmet, Filipovich Yana, Romero Roberto
Primary Institution: NorthShore University HealthSystem
Hypothesis
Can E. coli bacteria induce preterm delivery in rats?
Conclusion
E. coli bacteria do not induce preterm labor in rats as they do in mice.
Supporting Evidence
- None of the rats delivered prematurely after bacterial exposure.
- All animals followed to term delivered live pups.
- Statistically significant negative effect of killed E. coli on fetal viability.
Takeaway
The study tried to see if E. coli could make pregnant rats give birth early, but it didn't work.
Methodology
Pregnant rats were inoculated with killed or live E. coli and observed for preterm delivery.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in the selection of bacterial strains and methods of administration.
Limitations
The study only tested a limited number of bacterial strains and doses.
Participant Demographics
Female Sprague-Dawley rats, 254 – 380 gm, on day 17 of gestation.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.014
Statistical Significance
p = 0.014
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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